Swivel Infant Bather

ABSTRACT

An infant bather includes a base and a cradle. The cradle is mounted with the base. The base includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the base is connected to at least one engagement member that is adapted to engage a support surface, such as an edge or bottom of a sink or the edge or bottom of a bath tub. The second surface of the base further defines a cradle interface, which defines a vertical axis that may extend substantially perpendicular to the base second surface. The cradle also defines a cradle first surface and a cradle second surface. The cradle second surface is configured to support an infant in a reclined position. The cradle first surface includes a base interface that is engageable with the cradle interface of the base. The engagement of the cradle interface and the base interface allows the cradle to be horizontally rotated relative to the base so that the relative angle between the infant and the caregiver may be changed without having to lift and reposition the infant within the cradle. A method of bathing an infant that enables the caregiver reposition the infant relative to the caregiver and the water source without having to lift the infant is also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to devices for bathing infants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The bathing of an infant can be a difficult task. It is desirable to provide the infant with a comfortable surface for bathing, and also provide a caregiver with easy access to the infants body parts for cleaning. It is also desirable to provide a sanitary environment for bathing the infant. There have been many devices devised to support infants in a bathtub or a sink in order to make the bathing experience easier. Many of these devices have consisted simply of a bath ring in which the infant is allowed to sit on a seat on the floor of the tub or bottom of the sink. Such devices are not suitable for certain younger infants, especially those that are not yet able to sit up unassisted. It is also difficult to reach all the body parts of infants in a seated position within a bath ring. Other infant bathers comprise little more than an infant seat that is placed within a bathtub or sink. Such bathers sometimes face concerns regarding the cleanliness of environment since the infant is often partially immersed in the dirty bath water. Such sanitary concerns are especially the case when the bather is used in a sink, which is generally easier for the person bathing the infant.

Bath rings and bath seats also generally have the drawback of not allowing for adjustable positioning of the infant relative to the person bathing the infant while the infant is in the seat. Rather, the angle or orientation of the infant relative to the caregiver is fixed unless the infant is removed from the seat and repositioned. One device developed to address this shortcoming is U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,606, which discloses a generally circular bath seat providing back support and that is positionable rotationally in a bath tub. While the apparatus disclosed in this patent enabled a user to be rotated within the tub while remaining secured in the seat, the seat still required that the user be able to sit upright. It also left the user seated within the dirty bath water.

The present invention addresses some of the shortcomings of the aforementioned infant bathers. It is to be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided with the present invention is an apparatus for bathing an infant. Generally speaking, the apparatus comprises a base that is placed on a support surface, such as a sink or tub, and a cradle rotatably mounted with the base for supporting the infant. The apparatus may be placed either inside the sink or tub, or on the edges of the sink or tub.

The base includes a first surface and a second surface. In its intended operating position, the first surface is the bottom surface and the second surface is the top surface. The first surface of the base is operatively connected to at least one engagement member formed with or connected to the base first surface. The at least one engagement member is adapted to engage a support surface. The support surface may be the edge of a sink or tub, the bottom of a bath tub or sink, or the edge or bottom of another receptacle, such as a basin.

In order to provide greater flexibility, it is preferred that several different engagement members may be included in a single apparatus. For example, in order to engage a divider of a double sink, one or more engagement members may include a portion that defines a yoke shaped member configured to straddle the divider. Other engagement members may include a portion that defines a foot to support the apparatus on a flat support surface, such as the bottom of a bathtub. Still other engagement members may be configured define a portion that engages with the side of a standard sink. It should further be appreciated that a particular engagement member may be configured to include one or more of aforementioned the engagement portions. The engagement members may be integrally formed with the base or may be a separate component attached with the base. In other embodiments, the engagement members may be adjustable relative to the base to enable the bather to be adjusted to non-standard sinks or tubs.

The second surface of the base further defines a cradle interface. As will be discussed below, the cradle interface provides a means for connecting the base and the cradle. In some preferred embodiments, the cradle interface may be in the form of an annular or circumferential lip. In alternative preferred embodiments, the cradle interface may be an annular or circumferential recess or track. The cradle interface may alternatively be a hub-type structure or socket. The cradle interface defines a vertical axis that preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the base second surface.

The cradle also defines a cradle first surface and a cradle second surface. As with the base, in its intended operational orientation, the second surface is the top surface and the first surface is the bottom surface. The cradle second surface is configured to support an infant in a substantially reclined position. The cradle second surface is generally in a horizontal position such that the infant rests on top of the cradle. In a preferred embodiment, the cradle second surface is slightly convex so as to provide a more natural curvature for the infant. The cradle may also have one side angled higher than a second side such that the infant, although reclined, may have his or her upper body slightly raised. The cradle first surface includes a base interface that is engageable with the cradle interface of the base. The base interface is configured to matingly engage the cradle interface. In a preferred embodiment, the base interface comprises an annular rim that mates with the annular lip of the base. In some preferred embodiments, the annular rim may include one or more guide members. The base interface may alternatively comprise an extending member that rotatably engages a hub, or may be a ball arrangement that rotatably engages a socket. The engagement of the cradle interface and the base interface allows the cradle to be horizontally rotated relative to the base so that the relative angle between the infant and the caregiver may be changed without having to lift and reposition the infant within the cradle. In some embodiments, the base interface and cradle interface may engage in a manner that allows for angular adjustment of the cradle relative to the base.

It is preferred that the cradle will rotate in a circle about the vertical axis. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the cradle interface and the base interface may allow the cradle to both rotate and allow for some lateral movement of the cradle relative to the base.

In some embodiments the base and the cradle may be easily disassembled from one another. In other embodiments, the cradle and base may be fixed together. For example, the guide members may be configured to lock the base with the cradle. As discussed, in either embodiment the cradle is rotatably mounted with the base member when the base interface is engaged with the cradle interface. The interaction between the cradle interface and the base interface enables the cradle to be rotated relative to the base about the cradle interface axis. In another preferred embodiment, the cradle comprises a frame and a flexible hammock extending over the frame. The flexible hammock preferably includes at least a portion that is made of a water permeable fabric, such as mesh.

Other aspects of the present invention provide for a method of bathing an infant. The method comprises placing the engagement members of the base with a support surface, such as the edges or bottom of a tub or sink, placing an infant on the cradle second surface, and repositioning the relative angle between the caregiver and the infant, as well as the relative angle of the water source to the infant, by rotating the cradle relative to the base without need for lifting the infant out of the cradle.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a second exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 from a lower perspective.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention supported by a single sink.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention supported by a double sink.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention supported by the bottom of a bathtub.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention supported by the edges of a bathtub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the claimed apparatus is not limited to specific embodiment discussed, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Provided is an apparatus 10 for bathing an infant. Apparatus 10 includes a base 12 and a cradle 14, which is mounted with the base. In this embodiment, the cradle includes a frame (discussed in greater detail below) over which is secured a fabric hammock 16 having portions 17 thereof that are comprised of a water permeable material, and in this particular embodiment, a mesh material. In use, the base 12 is supported by a support surface, such as edges of a sink, and the cradle 14 is able to be rotated relative to the base. By enabling the cradle to be rotated, the position of the infant relative to the water source can be adjusted without having to lift the infant off of the cradle 14 and reposition the infant. The alignment of the infant relative to the caregiver may also be similarly adjusted.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, other details of certain preferred features are discussed. As discussed, the apparatus 10 includes a base 12 and a cradle 14, which is mountable with the base 12. The base 12 includes a first surface 20 and an opposed second surface 22. As shown, when in its intended operating position, the first surface 20 is the bottom surface of the base and the second surface 22 is the top surface of the base. Base 12 may be formed of plastic, wood, metal, carbon fiber, or other similarly resilient and rigid material or combination of materials. Preferably, however, base 12 is formed of a plastic, such as polypropylene. Base 12 may be integrally formed, but may be comprised of a plurality of parts bonded or otherwise secured together. For ease of manufacturing, it is preferred that base 12 is a molded unitary piece. Although not depicted, it is further contemplated that the base may include an adjustable portion, such as two telescoping portions, that enable the base to be widened.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first surface 20 of the base 12 includes engagement members 24, 26, 28, and 30. In this embodiment, the engagement members are integrally formed with the base 12. It is contemplated that the engagement members may be otherwise secured to the base. It is also contemplated that the engagement members may be adjustable to allow for the base to be engaged with non-standard sinks.

In this embodiment, engagement members 24 and 26 each define an engagement portion in the form of ledge 32. Ledge 32 is configured to generally fit with the curvature of the edge of standard sinks. Since many sinks are generally of standard sizes, it is preferred that the engagement members 24 and 26 are spaced on the base 12 such that they will fit securely with the edges of a standard sink.

In addition to engagement members 24 and 26, engagement members 28 and 30 may also be included. Engagement member 28 and 30 define a bottom edge, such as foot 34, which may be rested on the bottom of a receptacle, such as a bathtub. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the edge 34 may include a non-slip material, such as a soft elastomer, or may include suction cups to provide added stability. Engagement members 28 and 30 further define an engagement portion, such as ledge 33 which may also engage the edge of a standard sink. As shown, the spacing between engagement members 28 and 30 is less than the spacing between engagement members 24 and 26. This enables the engagement members 28 and 30 to be used with small sinks, or when the base is oriented differently, such as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, engagement members 30 may further define a yoke shaped portion 36 (FIG. 4) configured to straddle a divider of a double sink. As shown, the engagement member may be a formed portion of the first surface 20 or may extend from the first surface 20. While not depicted, the engagement members may engage the support, such as a sink, by way of a non-mechanical engagement, such as with magnets embedded within the base that will magnetically engage with the sink and secure the apparatus 10 in position.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the second surface 22 of the base 12 further defines a cradle interface 38. In this embodiment, the cradle interface 38 takes the form of an annular lip. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the cradle interface may take other forms, including without limitation an annular recess or track, or a rotational hub. The cradle interface 38 defines a vertical axis 40 that preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the base second surface 22. In this particular embodiment, the base 12 defines aperture 42. Aperture 42 enables the apparatus 10 to be lighter in weight, to require less material and thus present cost savings, and also to allow water to flow through to the sink.

The cradle 14 includes a first surface 44 and a second surface 46. In its intended operational orientation, the second surface 46 is the top surface and the opposed first surface 44 is the bottom surface. The second surface 46 of the cradle 14 is configured to support an infant in a reclined position. In a preferred embodiment, the cradle second surface is generally in a reclined horizontal position such that the infant rests on top of the cradle in a supine position. The amount or degree of recline of the second surface 46 relative to horizontal may, in some instances, range from 0 degrees to less than perpendicular. It is preferred that the recline is generally a reclined horizontal position that may range from about 0 degrees to 45 degrees, and in more preferred embodiments, the cradle second surface 46 is between about 0 degrees, i.e. completely horizontal, and 30 degrees elevated relative to the horizontal. In the preferred embodiment shown, the cradle second surface 46 is slightly convex so as to provide a curvature for the infant to support its head in a slightly raised position, and includes portions between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees. Referring to FIG. 3, the cradle 14 includes a frame 48 and a hammock 50 made of a flexible fabric material stretched over the frame 48. The fabric is preferably of a slightly stretchable material that will provide cushioning to the infant and conform somewhat to the infant's body. The hammock 50 may include a water permeable portion 52, such as made of mesh. As shown, the water permeable portion 52 is positioned over an opening 55 in the frame 48, which is aligned with the aperture 42 of the base 12. Water is then caused to flow through the water permeable portion 52, through opening 55, and aperture 42 to the sink. It is preferred that other than the water permeable portion 52, the other portions of the hammock are substantially water impervious such that the convex shape of the cradle 14 causes the water to flow through opening 55 and aperture 42 to the sink. The hammock 50 preferably includes an elastic perimeter that may be stretched and pulled over the edge of the frame 48.

It is contemplated that the cradle 14 may alternatively comprise a solid structure that may include apertures, as opposed to the hammock stretched over a frame. In such an embodiment, the apertures would preferably be sized so as to allow water to flow through to the sink, but sufficiently small to prevent the infant from accidentally inserting a finger or toe through the aperture. The apertures would preferably be formed in vertical alignment with the opening 55 and aperture 42. The solid cradle may also include a padded surface.

The first surface 44 of the cradle 14 includes a base interface 52 that is engageable with the cradle interface 38 of the base 12. In a preferred embodiment, the base interface 53 defines an annular rim that mates with the annular lip of the base. In some preferred embodiments such as shown, the base interface 53 may include one or more guide members 54. The guide members 54 prevent relative lateral or horizontal movement of the cradle interface 38 relative to the base interface 53. In this particular embodiment, since the cradle interface 38 and base interface 52 are circular, the guide members 54 also prevent lateral or horizontal movement of the cradle 14 relative to the base 12. In this embodiment the guide members further include a detent, such as hook portion 56, which locks under a shoulder 58 formed with cradle interface 38. In this way, the base and the cradle are fixed to one another. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the cradle 14 to be readily detachable from the base.

Although described such that the guide members are formed with the base interface to engage with the cradle interface of the base, it should be appreciated that other configurations can be utilized. For example, the guide members may be formed with the cradle interface of the base so as to engage the base interface of the cradle. As another alternative, guide members may be formed on both of the cradle interface and the base interface.

As described above, each of the cradle interface 38 and the base interface 52 may be continuous, i.e., forming complete tracks. However, the cradle interface and the base interface 52 may each include separated curved or arcuate sections, such that the cradle interface and base interface cooperate to form a complete track.

In the previous discussion, the interaction between the cradle interface and the base interface allows for a sliding rotation of the cradle relative to the base. Although not depicted in the drawings, it is also contemplated that at least one of the cradle interface and the base interface may include a plurality of indices for predetermined specific relative orientations of the cradle relative to the base. For example, a total of 12 indices spaced such as the numbers on the face of a clock, would allow the cradle to be oriented in 12 different positions relative to the base, e.g., at 15 degree intervals. Preferably rotation of the cradle relative to the base is achieved by simply turning the cradle while the base remains stationary on the sink or tub. In some embodiments, however, the indexes may include the step of lifting of the cradle vertically from the base, rotating the cradle relative to the base, and then lowering the cradle back onto the base.

Referring to FIG. 5, use of the apparatus 10 with a standard single sink is discussed. Apparatus 10 is placed such that engagement members 24 and 26 of base member 12 engage the front and back edges of a standard single sink 62. Although not indicated by number or visible from the perspective shown, similar engagement members may be formed on the opposite lateral side of the base. When thus placed, the water permeable portion 52 of the hammock 50, which is positioned over the opening 55 in the frame 48 and the aperture 42 (FIG. 2) of the base 12, is positioned over the open portion of the sink 62. Water flows towards the water permeable portion 52, through opening 55, and aperture 42 to the sink. The base interface 52 and cradle interface 38 (FIG. 3) are configured such that regardless of how the cradle 14 is rotated relative to the base 12, opening 55 and aperture 42 remains stationary relative to the sink.

Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus 10 is shown on a standard double sink 64. Similar to with the single sink in FIG. 5, the apparatus 10 is placed such that engagement members 28 (not shown in drawing) and 30 of base member 12 engage a side of a standard double sink 64 and a divider 66. Again, although not shown, engagement members similar to engagement members 28 and 30 may be formed on the opposite lateral side of the apparatus 10. In this embodiment, at least engagement member 30 defines a yoke shaped portion 36 (FIG. 4) configured to straddle the divider 66. It should be understood that engagement members 28 and 30 may also be used with a single sink when orienting the apparatus 10 ninety-degrees from the manner depicted in FIG. 5. As before, the water permeable portion 52 of the hammock 50, the opening 55 in the frame 48, and the aperture 42 of the base 12 are positioned over the open portion of the sink 64.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be used in a bathtub. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 10 may be placed in the bottom of a bathtub 70. Although not required, it is preferred that if used in the bottom of a bathtub 70 that the engagement members 28 and 30 include a non-slip material, such as a soft elastomer. Preferably, engagement members 28 and 30 extend sufficiently away from the first surface 20 such that the cradle is elevated sufficiently above the bottom of bathtub 70 such that the infant is held above the bath water. It should further be recognized that apparatus 10 may be used in situations other than the bathing of an infant. For example, the apparatus could serve as a small recliner for the infant. Although not shown, the apparatus 10 may include straps or other means for securing the infant on the apparatus 10.

In some other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be used on a bathtub. As shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 10 is placed such that engagement members 26 and 24 of base member 12 engage sides of bathtub 72. As with previous embodiments, the orientation of the cradle relative to the base may be rotationally adjusted as desired.

To use the apparatus 10, a caregiver may place the engagement members of the base with a support surface, such as a tub or sink surface. The caregiver may then place an infant on the cradle second surface 46. It is contemplated that the infant may be placed on the cradle second surface 46, and then the apparatus 10 with infant placed on the support surface. The angle of the infant relative to the water source may be adjusted by rotating the cradle 14 relative to the base 12. This enables the caregiver the ability to position the infant and avoid interference from the faucet, and then position the infant as desired. During the bath, the position of the infant relative to the caregiver may be similarly adjusted to enable better access to the infant's body parts. The repositioning may be done without need for lifting the infant.

Having described this invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications may be made of this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is not intended that the breadth of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. An infant bathing apparatus comprising: a base and a cradle mounted with the base; the base comprising a base first surface and a base second surface, the base first surface including at least one engagement member, the at least one engagement member adapted to engage with a support surface, the base second surface defining a cradle interface, wherein the cradle interface defines a vertically extending axis; the cradle comprising a cradle first surface and a cradle second surface, the cradle second surface configured to support an infant's entire body in a reclined horizontal position thereon, the cradle first surface comprising a base interface; and the base interface engaging the cradle interface, and wherein engagement between the base interface and the cradle interface enables rotation of the cradle relative to the base about the axis.
 2. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the base interface comprising an annular rim, and the cradle interface comprising an annular lip configured to mate with the annular rim, and wherein each of the annular rim and the annular lip are coaxial with the axis.
 3. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the cradle second surface includes an infant support region, wherein the infant support region is angled between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees relative to horizontal.
 4. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cradle second surface defines a convex surface.
 5. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cradle comprises a frame and a flexible hammock extending over the frame.
 6. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flexible hammock comprises a water permeable seating surface.
 7. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flexible hammock comprises a water impervious seating surface.
 8. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the cradle interface circumscribing an aperture, the apparatus further comprising at least one guide member connected to the base interface and configured to engage the cradle interface and prevent lateral movement of the cradle interface relative to the base interface.
 9. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the cradle interface circumscribing an aperture, the apparatus further comprising at least one guide member connected to the cradle interface and configured to engage the base interface and prevent lateral movement of the cradle interface relative to the base interface.
 10. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, at least one of the cradle interface and the base interface further including a guide member, the guide member configured to prevent lateral movement of the cradle interface relative to the base interface and further including a locking member adapted to lock the cradle to the base.
 11. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the cradle defining at least one aperture, the base defining at least one opening, wherein the at least one aperture and the at least one opening are in substantial vertical alignment.
 12. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, comprising a plurality of engagement members, at least one of the plurality of engagement members defining an engagement portion comprising a ledge configured to mate with an edge of a sink.
 13. An infant bathing apparatus comprising: a base member comprising: at least one engagement member adapted to engage with a support surface; and a circumferential cradle interface, the cradle interface defining an axis extending substantially perpendicular to a first surface of the base member; and a cradle comprising; a cradle first surface having a base interface portion comprising at least one guide member configured to engage the cradle interface and prevent lateral movement of the cradle interface relative to the base interface, the base interface portion further configured to enable rotational movement of the cradle relative to the base member; and a cradle second surface comprising an infant support region configured to support an infant's entire body in a substantially reclined horizontal position.
 14. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13 wherein the infant support region is angled between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees relative to horizontal.
 15. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, the base interface comprising an annular rim, and the cradle interface comprising an annular lip.
 16. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the cradle comprises a frame and a flexible hammock comprising a water permeable portion, the hammock extending over the frame.
 17. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the cradle second surface is water impervious.
 18. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 16, the frame defining an aperture, the cradle interface circumscribing the aperture.
 19. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, the at least one engagement member comprising at least one engagement portion configured to engage an edge of a sink.
 20. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, the cradle defining at least one aperture, the base defining at least one opening, wherein the at least one aperture and the at least one opening are in substantial vertical alignment.
 21. An infant bathing apparatus comprising: a base comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of the engagement members adapted to engage a support surface, the base further comprising a cradle interface portion opposite the plurality of engagement members; and a cradle comprising an infant support, the infant support including a substantially horizontal portion configured to receive an infant's entire body in a reclined position, the cradle further comprising a base interface portion opposite the infant support, the base interface portion operatively connected to the cradle interface portion and configured to allow rotation of the cradle relative to the base and to prevent lateral movement of the cradle relative to the base.
 22. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 21: the base interface comprising a first track including arcuate portions, the cradle interface comprising a second track comprising arcuate portions, and the first track and the second track cooperating to provide an annular rotational track, the apparatus further comprising at least one guide member on at least one of the base interface and cradle interface, and the cradle further comprising a frame and a flexible hammock extending over the frame.
 23. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 21, the plurality of engagement members including a first group and a second group, the first group of engagement members cooperating to enable placement of the bathing apparatus with a first support surface in a first orientation, and the second group of engagement members cooperating to enable placement of the bathing apparatus with a second support surface in a second orientation. 